Maybe I ought to clarify, since my school might be different from the norm:
So far this year, off the top of my very poor memory, I recall:
1. Over the summer, our 6-7 year old was asked to get $ sponsors to pay so much for each book she read (okay...)
2. Parents were expected to purchase paper, pencils, notebooks, markers, kleenex, liquid soap, etc. the first week. (glad to!)
3. We sent $ for school pictures (there will be a *second* school photo and a class photo in the spring, both fundraisers for the school (two is a little much, but we're in!)
4. We were asked to pay $20 for our child to participate in the school play (scholarships available!)
5. Couple of field trips (few bucks, no big deal)
6. Every Thursday, an envelope comes home asking us to purchase scrip from grocery store (this I'm not so fond of)
7. We had our annual fundraiser for the Art program: they send home a free magnet with our child's painting on it, along with a price sheet for mugs, t-shirts, etc. (happy to get some money to the art teacher, whose annual budget for supplies is $200; I'm not joking. We're an Arts & Music magnet school)
8. Scholastic books order form (man they sell a lot of junk now...)
9. 2 skating rink fundraisers so far
10. Pizza night once a month (can they put any *more* paper in that book bag?)
11. Book sale, different from Scholastic Books (I'm right there!)
12. Miscellaneous charity drives and gifts for teacher, etc.
Honestly, I know I'm leaving stuff out. It's not even Halloween yet!
I'm not complaining about the $. It would not hurt my child any if I refused to participate in 75% of this.
But is this normal? Isn't this a little crazy? I'm scared to death to suggest any of this friendly group's creative ideas for fear the powers that be will wear my sorry behind OUT!
--Weeks